Relay vs Squid: Speed, Reach, and Architecture
Relay and Squid are intent-based cross-chain platforms that route native assets without issuing synthetic wrapped tokens. Relay is a direct payment and transfer network. It settles user intents across 85 blockchains in an average of one second, using off-chain solvers that front liquidity on destination networks and receive reimbursement once the Relay Chain Hub verifies execution through an authorized oracle signer.
Squid operates as a liquidity aggregator. It connects more than 100 blockchains and 20,000 tokens across EVM, Cosmos, and non-EVM ecosystems like XRPL and Solana. While Relay averages transfer times of one second with costs under $0.01 plus gas, Squid settles intent swaps in roughly five seconds. Squid charges a 0% protocol fee on stablecoin transfers, though it applies variable routing fees to non-stablecoin swaps and relies on third-party bridge infrastructure like Axelar, IBC, and LayerZero.
Quick verdict
The core distinction lies in architectural focus: Relay operates a dedicated settlement hub tailored for near-instant native bridging, whereas Squid aggregates liquidity across dozens of decentralized exchanges and bridge protocols for broad token trading. Relay achieves execution speeds of one second by pairing deposits with solvers verified via its oracle hub. Squid trades four seconds of speed for wider market reach, routing across 20,000 assets and networks like Cosmos and XRPL.
Choose Relay if execution speed and sub-cent protocol fees are your main requirements for moving funds between mainstream EVM chains, Solana, or Bitcoin. It fits builders needing gas sponsorship APIs or users transferring stablecoins across 85 supported networks who prefer a single verification layer.
Choose Squid if you need access to non-EVM ecosystems like Cosmos, Hedera, or XRPL, or plan to trade long-tail tokens across 130 decentralized exchanges in a single step. It suits traders moving stablecoins at zero protocol fee or developers seeking drop-in swap widgets with execution hooks.
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Ratings | ||
| Our score | 4.3/5 | 4.4/5 |
| User rating | No reviews yet | No reviews yet |
| Security | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| Speed | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Fees | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Chain coverage | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Ease of use | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Specs | ||
| KYC required | No | Not disclosed |
| Design | Intent-based | Aggregator |
| Chains | Ethereum, Base, Arbitrum, Optimism, Polygon, BNB Chain, Solana, Bitcoin, Sui, Tron, Other | Ethereum, BNB Chain, Arbitrum, Base, Optimism, Polygon, Avalanche, Cosmos, Other |
| Chains supported | 85 | 100 |
| Typical fee | Under $0.01 average cost plus dynamic execution fees | 0% on stablecoin swaps; variable route and gas fees |
| Typical transfer time | 1 second | 5s |
| Security model | Non-custodial depository with authorized signer oracle Hub and relayer settlement | Depends on the underlying route |
| Audited | Yes | Yes |
| Token | Not disclosed | QUID |
| Intent-based | Yes | Yes |
| Native token transfers (no wrapped tokens) | Yes | Yes |
| Company | ||
| Founded | 2023 | 2022 |
| Headquarters | United States | Virgin Islands, British |
| Investors | Archetype, Union Square Ventures | North Island Ventures, Polychain Capital |
| Strengths and weaknesses | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Best for | Fast native multi-chain transfers, Cross-chain stablecoin settlements, Developers building cross-chain checkout | Non-EVM to EVM token traders, DeFi users moving stablecoins fee-free, Developers embedding cross-chain swap widgets |
Highlighted cells show the stronger value in each row. Data comes from each provider's site and public sources; check details before you sign up.
FAQ
Which bridge is faster, Relay or Squid?
Relay is faster, settling transfers in an average of one second. Squid processes intent swaps in approximately five seconds through an off-chain request-for-quote system.
How do fees compare between Relay and Squid?
Squid charges a 0% protocol fee on stablecoin-to-stablecoin swaps, but applies variable fees to other token swaps. Relay charges an average fee below $0.01 plus execution gas across its supported networks.
Do Relay or Squid require wrapped tokens?
Neither protocol requires wrapped tokens. Both Relay and Squid settle cross-chain transactions directly in native assets on the destination chain.
Which platform supports more blockchains?
Squid supports more networks, routing across more than 100 blockchains including Cosmos and XRPL. Relay connects over 85 blockchains, focusing on EVM networks, Solana, Bitcoin, and Sui.